Information, advocacy and practical support when you are unsure where to turn
UAA supports people facing difficult circumstances including housing problems, homelessness, domestic abuse, financial hardship, benefit issues, unemployment, immigration-related difficulties and barriers to health or social services.
We listen to what is happening, help people understand practical next steps, advocate where appropriate and connect them with organisations that have the specialist expertise or statutory responsibility to help.
UAA has a record of supporting people who are sleeping rough, sofa surfing, in temporary or unsafe accommodation, or at immediate risk of having nowhere to stay. Homelessness is rarely the only problem: our casework shows links with loss of sponsored employment, NRPF, poor health, domestic abuse, family breakdown, low literacy and difficulty navigating statutory systems.
Depending on the circumstances and resources available, UAA may provide or help arrange practical crisis support, contribute towards short-term accommodation, help with food and essentials, advocate around housing, accompany people to appointments and connect them with local housing and homelessness organisations. UAA works with specialist organisations including the Hope Centre and Accommodation Concern and refers to statutory services where appropriate.
An older woman returned to Northampton after several years away with nowhere stable to live. She had eaten very little for almost two weeks and was desperately looking for work. After being signposted to UAA, she received food, a place to rest, befriending, volunteering opportunities and temporary community accommodation. Within three months she had started part-time work and moved into a room in a shared house. She later enrolled at college with the aim of working in a school.
Another UAA client had been sleeping in shop and church doorways and struggled with reading and written English. A UAA volunteer and staff member accompanied him to employment agencies, helped him register and supported him with applications. He secured seasonal work with Royal Mail and later moved on to warehouse work.
PROFESSIONAL BOUNDARY UAA provides community support, navigation, advocacy and referral. It does not replace solicitors, regulated immigration advisers, healthcare professionals, housing authorities or emergency services. |
| Office | United African Association, Unit F5B, Barratt House, Kingsthorpe Road, Northampton, NN2 6EZ |
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